STATE PARKS

SURROUNDING SOUTHERN UTAH

The park is a popular destination for ATV riders. About 90% of the dunes are open for riding, but all of the dunes are open for hiking and just playing in the sand.

Sand dunes are created by three factors: Sand, high winds, and a unique influence upon the wind. The notch between the Moquith and Moccasin mountains causes this unique influence. The wind is funneled through the notch, thereby increasing wind velocity to a point where it can carry sand grains from the eroding Navajo sandstone.

Visitors will wonder at the shifting arcs of crescent-shaped dunes and sift the fine, salmon-colored grains at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. The Park is a massive playground for hiking, off-highway vehicle riding, or just playing in the sand. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is 22 miles southwest of U.S. Hwy 89 near Kanab. Day-use passes are $6. See the park website for more fee options.

Gunlock is Located 15 miles northwest of St. George in scenic red rock country, lies Gunlock Reservoir where boating, water sports and quality fishing for bass and catfish attract visitors. A mild winter climate makes Gunlock State Park a year-round destination.

The name Gunlock is the same as the small farming community one mile to the north. William Haynes Hamblin (nicknamed Will or Bill), a Mormon pioneer born in Ohio, settled in the present area of the lake in 1857. Gunlock Will was a good hunter and sharpshooter, and was skillful in repairing gunlocks, which are the firing mechanisms for muzzle loaders.

Gunlock State Park is located 15 miles northwest of St. George via Highway 91, past the towns of Santa Clara and Shivwits. Day-passes are $7. Primitive camping is $13 for overnight stays.

From I-15 take Exit 16, go three miles east on SR 9, turn left on SR 318 and follow the road to the park entrance. Boasting some of the warmest waters in the state and a mild winter climate, Quail Creek Reservoir lures boaters and anglers year-round. Day-use passes are $10 and includes use of boat ramps. All out of state boaters must be decontaminated at Sand Hollow State Park at no charge before being allowed to launch at Quail Creek. Utah boats must still be certified safe or decontaminated. For other park fees or more information, visit the park website.

From I-15, take the Hurricane exit (Exit 16). Travel east on Hwy 9 for about four miles to Sand Hollow Road and turn right. Travel south for about three miles and turn left at the park entrance. Boat and fish on Sand Hollow Reservoir, explore and ride the dunes of Sand Mountain on an off-highway vehicle, RV or tent camping in the new campground. Park Hours are 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Day-use passes are $10. All boats are legally required to decontaminate their boats free of charge at the park.

The sprawling 20,000-acre park, which rests mostly on USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, rivals Utah’s two largest state parks – Wasatch Mountain and Antelope Island. Sand Hollow already one of the most visited destinations in the Utah State Park system, with recreation opportunities for nearly every user from boaters to bikers, and OHV riders to equestrians.

Located in the 62,000 acre Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, established to protect the federally listed desert tortoise and its habitat, the park offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Activities include hiking, nature studies, wildlife viewing, photography, camping, ranger talks and junior ranger programs. There are more than 38 miles of hiking trails, a three-mile paved walking/biking trail and over 15 miles of equestrian trails.

From I-15 Southbound: Take exit 10 (Washington). Turn right off the ramp and take an immediate left at the light. Follow this road for approximately 5 miles to the intersection with Bluff Street/ SR-18. Proceed through the light and continue on Snow Canyon Parkway for approximately 3.5 miles and take a right onto Snow Canyon Drive. Follow this road to the south entrance of the park. You won’t find any snow at Snow Canyon State Park, but you will find plenty of recreational opportunities! Snow Canyon offers 16 miles of hiking trails, technical rock climbing, horseback riding, year-round camping, nature studies, wildlife viewing, and photographic opportunities galore. Park Hours are 6:00 am to 10:00 pm year-round. Day-passes are $6.